V-Man alternatives: 10 creative logos featuring abstract humans

As humans, we love looking at ourselves. Yes it sounds a bit narcissistic, but it’s simply something hardwired into our brains. It seems as though, that by looking at an image in our likeness, we see ourselves in way we normally cannot: as more complete, perfect versions of ourselves.

It seems natural, then, that brands would like their logos to be associated with the imagery of a more complete version of the customers’ selves. Hence the ubiquitous “V-man” (Dun dun dunnnnnn!)

The V-man is built on a good idea. Show the human form, put it in relation to your product or brand, and voila! Instant interest. But it’s not so simple as that. Although you’ve done right by the brand to try to give them a human face, these abstractions commonly used to represent the human figure have become over-saturated in branding, and selecting an overused design concept makes it unclear what your client’s message is.

But never fear! We have compiled a collection of designs from around the web that should fill the same purposes of this sneaky little v-man and replace him with something more unique to your client’s company. Something that will make them stand out and shine in the competitive marketplace!

2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia

These human-like figures for the Winter Olympics may be simple enough to be comparable to the infamous v-man, but they do it in a more unique way by taking on shapes distinct to their purpose. Additionally, their colorful insides are based on traditional Russian quilt work, adding a local element to this design.

Belkin Logo Redesign

Instead of just typography, Belkin decided to add a little man to their logo. But instead of going the generic route with just one dot for the head, they decided to make the entire body out of dots. According to the logo’s designers, these dots are meant to represent the stars. Whatever it is, we find the connect the dots imagery rather refreshing.

US Virgin Islands

This logo looks great even before you realize that it comes to life and starts dancing on the popular tourist island’s website. The imagery is fun and fractalized, showing the exciting nature of the destination. This is not your generic vacation.

InSpira Arts and Cultural Center

InSpira manages to utilize the human figure in a colorful way, remaining abstract like the V-man but with a creative artsy touch – a great accompaniment to the creativity they offer at their center.

Acidolac

What we like about the Acidolac logo is that they did something so similar to the v-man in shape, yet made it original by adding detail and humanizing effects. The results make for an original, born from something generic.

Casa Dei Curiousi

Effective use of color and tapered lines capture and show off the artistic side of this acting company. Read more about the artist’s process behind the brand here.

Catch Me

It’s got the four points of the v-man, is equally simple (in the best of ways), and it sure is darn cute. Not to mention that it excels at one of graphic design’s favorite methods: the visual pun. The graphic functions not only as a human, but also as a hand, a play on the speech bubble: “catch me!”

Toadprint

Alright sure – its not a human per se (ok, at all). But it has a lot of similarities, like arms and legs and frankly, we just love that it’s a paint splotch. Appropriately we think, this fun and clever logo comes from a printing company.